A True Account and Declaration of the Horrid Conspiracy

London: Thomas Newton, 1685. Presume 1st . Full-Leather. Good/No Jacket. Folio - over 12" - 15" tall. Balance of title and printing information, "Against the Late King, His Present Majesty, and the Government, As It was order'd to be Published by His Late Majesty. In The Savoy: Printed By Thomas Newcomb, one of his majesties Printers-1685." It seems reasonable to assert it as the first appearance of this much reprinted work and we do so for the following reasons. The collector's notes, which I have never caught wrong, with the rare exception of times passage causing reattribution, asserts in his penciled notes on the books first endsheet, verso, as follows, "By Thos. Sprat. Bp. of Rochester- S5065- First Edition-Large Paper copy in contemporary Morocco." Additionally the later printings seem to be done in a slightly smaller format. These boards measure 14 1/4 x 9 5/8", and the text 13 3/4 x 9 1/8", all edges gilt. Collation is folio as are the later printings. A superb old thing, I'll try to give a thorough listing of assets, flaws and structure. The spine is an attractive 6 ribbed affair, with abbreviated title between 2nd and 3rd down, the other tween rib squares are lavishly tooled and gilt worked. The boards have gilt edge lines and square floral cornered embellishments closer to their centers. The inside edges of the boards have a thin gilt-stamped tracery. The exterior hinges seem sturdy if beginning to age with ultra fine cracking. No leather restorers have been used (lanolins/waxes) on archivist advice. Spine not notably chipped, though bottom extremity has some color abrasion. Board tips have abrasion(esp. . bottom) and bumping, but not heavily shaped to text. Above the previously mentioned collector notes (verso 1st endsheet) appears the following inked inscription in dark rust, "Press B Shelf B No 2" I see no other marks as such. Xlibrary? seems unlikely. Perhaps a copy that stayed on the printers shelf for some reason? Interior, marbled PDs and endsheet verso blank (this 2nd gutter seems a bit rough and quite gappy) 2nd endsheet, title page with large label laid verso (lion over 10 dots in 1/2 diamond pattern) next 2 leaves are statements to James II from Sunderland, verso 2nd blank. Text commences page 1 to 167, verso blank. Next page is title page of 'Copies' section verso blank, then 1 thru 141. A gatefold map is in place between pages 134-135, and while showing its age has near perfect folding and minimal wear. The finishing at the back is similar to the front, small pencil note endsheet. The last marbled endsheet and PD have odd abrasioned look at gutter and the pastedown has a very darkened area, forward top to bottom. The text is handsome and unusually clean and clear, very little foxing, if having the customary age issues (smudge, mild pattern darkening) in small degree. It is now stored airtight. Standard domestic shipping at our customary one book price. We furnish insurance and delivery confirmation on all items over $75.00 at our expense. Overseas shipping by arrangement.